ARLINGTON, Va.– Eastern University Volleyball, battled to a tough three-set win over Randolph-Macon College (3-3) in the opening match of the Marymount University Invitational, before falling in three equally tight sets to the host Saints (5-1).

Top Performers:
Michelle Paulsen - 19 k- 3 3- 35 a  .457 with five blocks. Caroline Shelby 27 kills. Cecilia Bauer 37 digs.

Moments That Mattered:
After winning the opening set, 25-20, the Eagles trailed 20-16 in the second set. Sarah Roberts delivered  a kill for a sideout  and Katie Stenby served for the next three points to tie the match. Mickayla Kauffman came on and served for another point to put Eastern in control of the second game against the Yellow Jackets.

Both teams earned sideout points to set up the first set point of the second set. The Yellow Jackets received serve in rhythm and looked to be in control of the point, but Bauer, a junior libero saved the point for the Eagles with a  sprawling dig and Paulsen finished the point with a transition kill to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Stenby had another strong run of serves to put the Eagles up 13-10 in the third set. After the Yellow Jackets grabbed control of the scoring again later in the set, first-year defensive specialist, Lindsay Heisey served for two-straight points to put the Eagles up 24-22. After a Randolph-Macon sideout,, Ally Spillane put away a kill off the block for a win in the third set.

In the 3-0 loss to Marymount, the Eagles led in each set but were unable to pull away to a big lead in any set. Marymount hit only .133 as a team, but the Saints kept Eastern from developing an offensive rhythm and posted six aces.

Eastern had a 24-23 lead in the second set before the Saints scored four of the final five points of the set to grab a decisive two-set lead.

Coach Birtwistle Says:
"This was a good day overall against two very competitive teams. We saw Randolph Macon at the NCAA Tournament last year. Their team was big and talented and Marymount was the best team we've seen this year. They have all the tools."

"Our girls worked hard and gave a strong effort in both matches. Our middles were strong and continue to lead our offense and make things difficult on our opponents. Shelly [Paulsen] was super efficient in both matches and it was good to see her add some big blocks in the second match. Cecilia continues to be impressive in the middle of our defense. She had some amazing digs in both matches and keeps our energy and focus where it needs to be."

Up Next:

Eastern will finish play with two more matches at Marymount tomorrow. The Eagles will play Washington College (3-3) at 11 am before taking on an unbeaten Wheaton College (ill.) team at 3:00 pm.